Virtual healthcare has rapidly evolved as a trend over the past decade. However, it was the emergence of a global healthcare crisis – the COVID-19 pandemic – that triggered unprecedented growth in telemedicine. This has now become part of the “Internet of Medical Things,” which includes medical devices and applications that connect to healthcare information technology systems through the internet. This virtual world of medicine and treatment has greatly transformed the healthcare industry. Why? Because for many individuals seeking addiction or mental health treatment, the concept of receiving flexible care from home is appealing and convenient.
According to a recent report by analysts at Grand View Research, the estimated size of the global telehealth market was $101.15 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 24.3 percent from 2024 to 2030. This is why many clinics plan or already offer telehealth substance use disorder treatment, as these market projections indicate significant potential for growth and expansion.
While telehealth creates innovative opportunities for healthcare providers and great benefits for patients, there are potential challenges that need to be overcome to effectively navigate an exciting new era in healthcare. Here, we take a look at the opportunities’ telehealth presents and the concerns related to this digital development.
The benefits for patients
Online addiction treatment provides greater convenience compared to in-person visits. Remote therapy sessions remove geographical barriers and eliminate transportation difficulties, allowing patients in smaller cities and rural areas to access high-quality therapy and medical care. With the flexibility of telehealth, patients can schedule appointments at a time that best suits their personal needs.
For minoritized groups in particular, telehealth has the potential to enhance the healthcare experience and provide crucial access to therapy and psychiatry sessions that might not have been available previously. For example, studies have shown that African-American patients with disabilities living in rural locations have benefitted from improved communication, reduced stigma, and increased convenience and continuity of care through telehealth treatment.
By removing geographical limitations, minoritized communities may have the opportunity to find a healthcare professional who they feel comfortable with. This could potentially address issues such as counselors not having shared life experiences or exhibiting implicit bias, ultimately improving access to addiction treatment.
There are also specific barriers for the LGBTQ+ patient group, who may be at an increased risk for mental health disorders and may face stigma and discrimination. Studies indicate that there is a lack of state-approved substance abuse treatment programs specifically designed for LGBTQ+ clients. However, remote therapy can assist them in accessing specialized services and connecting with experts who may not be accessible in their local area.
Telehealth has the potential to increase patient satisfaction and improve patient retention rates. A recent study on telepsychiatry in addiction patients found that telemedicine patients had a higher retention rate (50 percent after one year) compared to in-person patients (39 percent after one year). This is partly due to proven results, as demonstrated by a systematic review of studies published in the Journal of Substance Abuse. The review concluded that telemedicine interventions for nicotine, alcohol, and opioid use disorders are highly effective, particularly for patients with limited access to traditional in-person treatment.
Removing geographical barriers also aids clinics in hiring staff providers for online addiction treatment. This allows staff to treat patients without the need to be physically present in the same location. However, they must be licensed in the state where the patient resides.
The challenges to overcome
While telehealth has the potential to increase treatment opportunities for underserved populations, it also comes with added challenges.
- Regulations and compliance
Complex state licensing rules mean that healthcare providers are required to be licensed in the state in which the patient is resident. With telemedicine, there are also specific security risks that providers need to be aware of so that they don’t inadvertently violate HIPAA privacy regulations. Clinic owners must also ensure their practitioners have prescriptive authority under DEA guidelines.
- Clinical considerations
Patients must undergo screening to determine if virtual care is a suitable therapeutic approach for their specific case. Building rapport with clients remotely can be challenging for clinicians, and managing high-risk cases can be particularly difficult.
Any technological platforms used must be well-maintained, operated, and HIPAA-compliant. This includes more than just video-conferencing calls; third-party apps may also be recommended and utilized as supplementary care. Clinics must ensure that their clients have given informed consent to share data with them and that it is not misused.
- Financial concerns
The cost of investing in new infrastructure and technology can be substantial. Clinics must ensure that their hardware and software are current and that their data protection and security measures are of high quality. There may be costs associated with subscribing to appropriate and well-maintained digital therapeutic applications, and reimbursement from medical insurance is also a consideration. Although the market for telehealth solutions is projected to grow, the initial investment required may impact profits in the short term.
- Patient barriers
It is possible that telehealth may not be able to assist minoritized communities as we had initially believed. According to a Pew Research Center survey in 2021, Black, Hispanic, and Latinx adults are still less likely to own a computer or even have access to high-speed internet at home. This disparity is especially pronounced in older adults, according to a 2019 study, which found that minoritized older adults were less likely to use health-related technology. Even younger minoritized adults and youths are more likely to have lower digital skills, which could lead to a lower uptake of telehealth for addiction.
The nature of remote communication introduces complexities that are not present in in-person sessions. For example, some patients may have difficulty finding a private and distraction-free space within their homes due to the possibility of family members interrupting the sessions. This is when skilled therapists play a crucial role in balancing the needs of the patients and their families while ensuring the effectiveness of online therapy sessions. Some studies suggest that a combination of telehealth and in-person treatment may yield optimal results. Finding the right balance and implementing it is key.
Updating the Progress of Telehealth
Telehealth’s success will depend on its adaptability and change. Clinics may need to adjust their practices to fit the telehealth platform, using a different approach that effectively meets the patient’s needs during a remote therapy session to create a professional and comfortable environment for successful telehealth sessions. As mentioned earlier, there are various advantages and challenges associated with online addiction treatment.
As with in-person sessions, boundaries are crucial, although with telehealth things might not be so clear. Establishing easily understood boundaries, policies, and procedures from the beginning will help your clients understand how therapy sessions work within a digital context.
In addition, connect with patients in a way that best suits them by providing options. You may want to consider popular platforms such as Zoom or online therapy platforms like Talkspace, and also consider using WhatsApp messaging and voice notes to follow up with patients. Embrace these technologies fully to enhance your online therapy sessions at your clinic.
Maintaining patient confidentiality is a crucial aspect of therapy, especially during remote sessions. It is essential to consistently review your security protocols, including utilizing encrypted communication channels and secure Wi-Fi networks during sessions. Furthermore, it is important to inform your clients that your clinic values privacy and confidentiality to build trust and loyalty.
The Future of Online Addiction Treatment
Telehealth for addiction and mental health disorders has the potential to make a significant impact on recovery efforts. It offers greater flexibility and accessibility to a wider range of people. Studies have indicated that telehealth can be just as effective, and when combined with in-person sessions, it can be even more effective than traditional treatment methods.
